2003-2004 Education Foundation Report

12th Annual Education Grants Awarded by Education Foundation, Inc.

In a special recognition program and reception held at the Ramada Inn on May 26, 2004, eleven corporate sponsored education grant certificates were awarded to Lynchburg City School teachers by corporate sponsor representatives. In addition, two special grants were presented in memory of the late Dr. George Rainsford and "Jimmie" Ping. The thirteen winning grants, with a total budget of $8,379, were selected from thirty-four proposals. Priority was given to those grants that demonstrated innovative and effective ways to meet student needs and increase motivation to learn. The purpose of the education grant program is to provide financial support to exceptional teacher-initiated ideas which are not funded through the school system's operating budget. The annual program provides an opportunity for grant winners to make presentations highlighting their program or activity. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $66,000 in grants since establishing the program twelve years ago.

George N. Rainsford Grant – $1000 "Mini-Economy"
Robert S. Payne Elementary School
Mr. John Richards, Education Foundation Inc. Vice President, presented the $1000 George N. Rainsford Education Grant to Robert S. Payne Elementary School teacher Shelley Burleigh for her winning grant, "Mini-Economy." The award is presented each year to the education grant that best exhibits those ideas and high standards which were a characteristic of George N. Rainsford.

"Jimmie" Ping Grant "Social Skills Instruction Put Into Practice, Grades 3-5" Sheffield Elementary School
The Lynchburg City Schools' Education Foundation awarded a new educational grant in memory of James C. "Jimmie" Ping. The grant, approved by the Foundation Board, was established in recognition of Jimmie Ping's enormous contribution to Lynchburg City Schools' students, teachers, and the entire Lynchburg community. The grant is funded by generous donations of family and friends and will be used to expand grant opportunities for teachers and schools. Mrs. Mary Ping made the official certificate presentation to grant winners Malia King and Randi Twery for their winning grant "Social Skills Instruction Put Into Practice, Grades 3-5."

New Student Scholarship Established

Thanks to the generosity of a former Lynchburg City School student, a new $1000 student scholarship program has been established. Mrs. Linda Carr, President of Technical and Management Resources, Inc. in Fairfax, Virginia, has donated the funds which will provide a $1000 scholarship for a deserving E.C. Glass or Heritage High School student who meets the stated criteria and plans to enter an accredited college or university following graduation. Scholarships are awarded to students showing outstanding merit, especially in the areas of leadership, scholastic achievement and community involvement. This years winner is Ashley Turner. Upon graduation from Heritage High School, Ashley will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University where she plans to major in mass communications.

Four New Corporate Grant Sponsors Announced

Four new corporate sponsors will be joining the teacher grant program during the 2004-05 school year. BWX Technologies will be sponsoring grants totaling more than $8000 for grant proposals focusing in the areas of science, math and technology. Jim Martin, Pontiac Buick, GMC, and AREVA will be sponsoring $500 grants, and Dodson Pest Control will be sponsoring a $1000 grant. These added grants will help the Education Foundation meet the growing request from teachers and schools for funds to implement innovative and creative instructional ideas.